Ballet Folklórico Mexico en La Piel

23 Apr Ballet Folklórico Mexico en La Piel

For the eighth year in a row we will be hosting the Ballet Folklórico Mexico en La Piel from Cornelius, Oregon at this years Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. The Ballet Folklorico will be dancing traditional Mexican dances alongside the Mariachi Ciudad de Guadalajara group. The Ballet Folklorico showcases each area of Mexico and the costumes for the different dances are unique to particular regions. Learning these dances is a means of preserving the essence of the distinct cultures of each region of Mexico and perpetuating them for the benefit of future generations. The group first started in January 2008 and has since grown overtime. They currently have 40 members in there group between the ages 17-40+ years old and are made up of high school students, college students, professionals, and just regular working people who just love to dance and perform for there community. The group is open to any individuals who are interested in learning these types of dance, and there is no experience necessary or cost to participate and join the group.

The group was created to preserve and promote one the most beautiful artistic and cultural manifestations from the Mexican culture – El Ballet Folklórico Mexicano! The group has performed in different venues all around the state of Oregon and Washington for many different communities. In order to buy and repair there costumes for their performances the group will sometimes host fundraisers such as tamale sale, zumba nights, and other events to raise the funds. “The Portland Cinco de Mayo Fiesta has our favorite event, and is the one we look forward to every year. It is the event that challenge us the most both physically and artistically. Doing 2 to 3 shows per day for 3 days in a row is very physically demanding, and we know that we have to present our very best work to satisfy the thousands that go see us perform,” said Juan Loeza the general director of the group. Juan was born and raised in Michoacan Mexico and moved to Oregon at the age of 15. He has been the director and choreographer of the group since 2008 and has been dancing folklorico for 15 years. Juan has learned from professional instructors from Michoacan, Guadalajara and California.

“I believe that the growth that our group has had over the years as a cultural performer and entertainer, has been greatly to being part of the 5 de Mayo Fiesta, as every year it pushes us to do and be our best. This will be our 8th year as part of it, and we hope to continue that for many more years to come,” said Loeza. So come check them out as they will be performing throughout the weekend. If you would like more updates please visit our website to find times and location of the event.

Admission is $10 for adults and kids 13 and over; $7 for kids 6-12, and $7 for seniors over 62. Kids 6 and under enter free! The Fiesta will be open from 11:00am to 11:00pm on Friday May 4, Saturday May 5, and Sunday May 6.